How To Pick The Perfect Dog Boarding Company

If you are like most pet owners, you want the best for your furry friend. That is why finding the perfect dog boarding company is so important. Dog boarding can be a great way to keep your dog safe and happy while you are away. But with so many different dog boarding companies out there, how do you know which one is perfect for you?

It's crucial to locate a good place that is comfortable for your dog when leaving for an extended period. And that is why in this blog post, we will discuss what to look for when choosing a dog boarding company. We will provide some actionable tips on how to find the perfect one for your puppy!

What Is Dog Boarding?

Dog boarding is a great option when you need to leave town or go on a long vacation; one where you can't take your pup with you. It also comes in handy when your pup needs a little extra care, such as during a surgery or recovery period. Boarding facilities provide dogs with food, water, shelter, and exercise. Some facilities also offer additional services like obedience training, grooming, and doggy daycare.

In simple terms, dog boarding means any place where your dog stays overnight. It is also called dog hotels, dog kennels, and dog resorts. A facility describing itself as a boarding facility can be a traditional kennel style place or a more modern free-roaming hotel.

Dog boarding can be an excellent option for pet parents who work long hours or live far from home. It can also provide socialization opportunities for dogs who are shy or need a little extra help in that department. Boarding can even be a good option for puppies who are not yet old enough to be left home alone.

Why Is Dog Boarding Important?

There are a few key reasons why dog boarding is so important. First and foremost, it keeps your dog safe and out of trouble while you are away. Dogs who are left home alone for long periods of time can become bored or lonely, which can lead to destructive behavior like chewing on furniture or digging through the trash.

Boarding also provides your dog with a fun, stimulating environment where they can socialize with other dogs. This is especially important for puppies and shy dogs who might not have many opportunities to interact with other animals.

Finally, boarding can be a great way to give your dog some extra love and attention while you are away. A good boarding facility will provide plenty of exercise and playtime, as well as some basic training if needed. This can be a great way to help your dog stay in shape and learn some new tricks!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Boarding

Are Pet Boarding And Pet Sitting The Same?

No, pet boarding and pet sitting are not the same. Pet [dog or cat] boarding is a service that provides overnight care for our furry friends, while pet sitting is a service that provides daytime care for pets. dog sitters typically offer services like feeding, watering, walking, and playing with pets. They may also provide basic grooming services like brushing fur and trimming nails.

When you engage a skilled sitter to visit your home a specified number of times while you're away, this is known as pet sitting. Dog walkers and pet caregivers provide food and exercise for dogs. They also pay attention to them so that they do not become lonely. While their owners are away, some pet sitters stay at their houses.

Therefore, the main difference between boarding and sitting is that boarding provides overnight care while sitting is only for daytime hours. Boarding is a great option for pet parents who work long hours or live far from home, while sitting can be a good way to socialize puppies and shy dogs.

What Are The Differences Between Dog Boarding And Dog Day Care?

Dog boarding is defined as any place where your dog stays overnight. Boarding facilities provide dogs with food, water, shelter, and exercise during an extended stay. Some facilities may also offer additional services like obedience training, spa services, and day care.

In contrast, dog daycare is a service that provides supervised activities for dogs during daytime hours. Think of it as day camp but for dogs. Daycare facilities typically have a large open play area where dogs can run and play together. They also offer indoor areas for when it is too hot or cold outside, as well as rest areas, food, water, and toys.

The main difference between boarding and daycare is that boarding provides overnight care while daycare is only for daytime hours. Boarding is a great option for pet parents who work long hours or live far from home, while daycare can be a good way to socialize puppies and shy dogs.

Now that we've covered the basics of dog boarding, let's talk about how to find the perfect boarding facility for your pup!

How To Find The Perfect Dog Boarding Facility

When looking for a boarding facility, it's important to consider your dog's individual needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect dog boarding facility:

1. Do Due Diligence:It is important to do your research before choosing a boarding facility or pet daycare. Talk to friends and family members who have used dog boarding services, as well as check online reviews, and compare prices. Also, don't hesitate to check if they are certified or a member of a professional association. Find out how long the facility has been dog boarding and how many return customers they've had if you're interviewing them. Check a few references as well
   
2. Check Licensing and Insurance: Make sure that the boarding facility is licensed by the state and insured against any potential accidents.
3. Check Their Immunization Requirements: Find out about immunization requirements. Many dog boarding facilities will require a Bordetella shot, along with rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. So be sure to check if their dogs also screened for fleas and ticks.
4. Monitor the Boarding Facility's Cleanliness and Safety:Keep an eye out for boarding facilities that are clean, safe, and sanitary. There should be enough exercise and sleeping places that are securely fenced and have pleasant non-slip surfaces. Are you welcome to see every part of the kennel or house where the dog will be? Are they safe and free of harmful chemicals? These are questions that should be answered before choosing the dog boarding facility.
5. Evaluate the Staffing Situation:Examine the facility's current staffing position. Ask if there are adequate staff on site 24 hours a day. Also. if there is a strategy in place in the event of an emergency.
6. Monitor the Veterinary Service and Medications:Find out what happens if your dog needs medical attention or has an emergency that necessitates the use of medication and/or veterinary services. Check to see if the dog boarding facility is certified in pet first aid
   
7. Consider the Dog Interaction Processes in the Facility:Meet the caretakers in the dog facility and observe how they interact with your dog. Ask how many dogs will they care for at a time? How much exercise do the dogs get, and how often are they taken out to eliminate? What type of animal care education and training does the dog boarding facility have?
8. the Dog Facility's Provisions:Take inventory of the provisions supplied for boarders' comfort. Provisions like fresh drinking water, temperature management, ventilation, and shelter are all part of this.
9. See How they handle last-minute bookings:If you have to make a last-minute dog boarding reservation, will the facility be able to accommodate your pup?
10. Are the dogs happy?: One of the best ways to tell if a dog boarding facility is good or not is by observing the dogs. Are there tail wags and do they look happy? Or are they cowering in the corner and look scared? If it's the latter, then that's not a good sign.

The perfect doggie daycare or facility should have all of the above qualities. Since your dog is your best friend, you should be diligent enough to ensure that it will get a similar or even better, type of care at the dog boarding facility that you would have provided.

Other Important Factors To Consider

When choosing a boarding facility, quality is certainly crucial, but so is finance. Determine the daily/nightly rates, as well as whether they include walks, one-on-one care, medicine administration, and bathing.

Consider if you have to pay when you pick up your dog, and what form of payment do they accept? What time is check-out, and how much will you be charged if you arrive late? And what is the policy on cancellations? Some establishments impose a penalty for late cancellations, which is understandable if they have turned down other reservations.

Final Take

So, if you're looking for a safe and comfortable place to board your dog while you're away on vacation, be sure to do your research, and find for a reputable boarding facility that has positive reviews from past customers.

Also, do not forget to ask around - friends and family members may have personal recommendations of good facilities in your area. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel confident leaving your furry friend in the care of someone else and that they will be well taken care of during their stay.